Benchmark Bonded Bourbon (100 Proof)

A prominent cherry aroma greets you initially, more so than most other products from this distillery I have tasted. Notes of cola, cinnamon, and sweet corn are present, lacking sophistication but still distinctly bourbon. On the palate, the cherry notes persist. The core of this spirit features the richness of sweet cornbread and cola, with the cola nut lingering into the aftertaste. While not intricate, it is full-bodied and quite enjoyable, despite an unremarkable finish. The four years of aging and 100 proof provide a substantial alcoholic presence, making a similar product (Evan BiB) seem harsh by contrast. This significantly outperforms the standard Benchmark and even makes the Buffalo Trace branded bourbon appear ordinary. It's great to finally find a product under the Benchmark label that I can appreciate. I would rate it higher if it possessed more refinement or complexity. However, for a Bottled-in-Bond option under $25, it suggests the distillery genuinely considers consumers for a change. Standard fans of this distillery should definitely try it, and even if it doesn't resonate with you as strongly as it did with me, you'll have an affordable bottle suitable for making excellent mixed drinks. It's truly a budget-friendly alternative to Eagle Rare. Highly recommended. Best regards!

Nose: Bright orange and cinnamon, sweet corn with a Thanksgiving aroma, perhaps pumpkin pie spices, ethanol, and toasted nuts. Palate: Sweet corn, vanilla, caramel, cinnamon, notes of barrel spice and char, a citrus tang on the sides of the mouth, chewy toffee, and maybe a hint of light roast coffee. It has a decent medium body with some pleasant chew. Finish: Barrel spice and char, cinnamon, a touch of citrus, and some chili pepper. Not much else. A dependable bonded bourbon that I've found enjoyable. I might buy another bottle when I encounter it. The finish is its least impressive aspect, offering little new or significant to the bourbon, though it's not unpleasant or flawed. Overall, it presents a rather typical or classic bourbon character, offered at a fair price and 100 proof. It's difficult to find fault.

Following my positive experience with the full proof, I decided to try this one... it technically has the oldest age statement, after all. Nose - Immediately, I detect the classic Buffalo Trace cherry note. Then corn, oil, and a muted, somewhat dusty oak character. Very reminiscent of EH Taylor – unexciting but good. Definitely in the $15-$40 bourbon range for those who enjoy cherry and corn profiles. Taste - This presents dusty oak and clay with some cherry, contrasting the initial cherry-forward nose. The aroma was quite impressive. This again reminds me of EH Taylor and mediocre Blanton's. It's a collection of good, easy-drinking bourbon elements alongside rushed, less developed components. I enjoy it. Quite a bit, actually. So, yes... this isn't the full proof. That version is superior through and through. This one feels younger, more unremarkable. But for what I believe was $16... if you prefer the less assertive, sweet, mellow profile of Buffalo Trace, it's a worthwhile purchase. I'm assigning this a 1-star rating. It truly earns that quality level. I might consider 1.25 stars. And it does mix well!

BENCHMARK BONDED NOSE: Starts HOT with Cinnamon & Orange Peel. Allow it a few minutes to reveal Pencil Shavings, Dusty Oak, Vanilla, Tart Berries, and Fall Spice. NEAT: Very Oak Forward initially followed by Vanilla/Maple Sweetness and Cinnamon. A rather straightforward profile, but Rich Thick and Coating. Medium Length slightly Tannic Finish with a pleasant KYHug. That Oaky Sweetness returns to coat and layer the palate. SPLASH: Add a little water and Brown Sugar emerges on the nose. The palate picks up a bit of the Orange Peel and Fall Spice from the nose. Perhaps a hint of Cherry Coke? The Oak picks up a little Tingly Spice as well. I suspect this will be very good on the rocks. VERDICT: This isn't overly complex, but it is VERY Good. Similar in profile to EWBIB, but lacking the nuttiness that I don't always desire. I would need to compare them side by side blind, but I think this is superior. I could see this as a solid sub-$20 workhorse (Neat, Rocks, Cocktails) if it becomes readily available.

BIB, 4 years, 100 proof. Sampled neat. Nose is sweet with baking spice, pepper, and a whiff of ethanol. Light copper color and coating legs in the glass. In the mouth, sweet, burnt sugar, and vanilla oak. Coating mouthfeel. A touch of ethanol as it transitions into a spicy, grassy finish. Fairly long, with a tingling mint mouthfeel. It's not an overly complex bourbon, but a step up from Benchmark #8. At this price, it's a really serviceable quality bourbon at a higher proof point for mixing. The Benchmark Single Barrel 95 proof (4yrs?) is more interesting with a developed oak flavor--it's rounder, less ethanol, and more mature. That surprised me tasting these side by side--I thought I'd prefer the BIB. The Single is $5 more than the BIB, but... it's a little better to sip.

Knowing this is primarily a “bottom shelf” or “well” label and knowing that it serves the role of a no-frills workhorse fairly well, I was intrigued when I saw this BIB label, yet expectations remained low. The price tag tipped the scales for me, though, and I had to try it. After finishing the bottle, I must say it did not overwhelm. The higher proof was welcome and definitely made it heartier, but there simply isn't enough depth here to make it very interesting. Great for mixing cocktails at a party where no one wants to discuss whiskey much and the price tag is blissfully low, but there simply isn't any real depth here to make it very memorable.